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If you love the rich, decadent charm of brownies paired with the creamy, nutty goodness of peanut butter, then you are in for a real treat with this Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together two beloved flavors in one perfect bite, creating a chewy, fudgy, and satisfying experience that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). The swirls of chocolate and peanut butter dough not only look stunning but also offer a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that feels like a warm hug with every chew.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge; each one is key in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible cookie allure.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides the rich, nutty base that balances the chocolate perfectly.
- 1/4 cup softened butter: Adds moisture and tenderness to the peanut butter dough.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture to the peanut butter portion.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness, used twice for each dough separately.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma of both doughs.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The structure builder for the peanut butter dough.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the peanut butter dough rise slightly and become tender.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors in both doughs.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Key to the brownie dough’s fudgy texture.
- 1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and slight crispness to the brownie dough.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Delivers that rich, chocolaty essence that defines the brownie taste.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Structure for the brownie dough, providing a cake-like crumb.
- 1/4 tsp baking powder: Gives lift to the brownie dough for softness.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolate for extra indulgence.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough
Start by beating together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you expect from peanut butter cookies. Then, mix in one egg and the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until everything just comes together. Set this dough aside while you work on the brownie dough.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Dough
Whisk the melted butter with the white sugar until smooth. This silky base promises fudginess in every bite. Stir in cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, then add the second egg and vanilla extract to infuse richness. Finally, mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and fold in the chocolate chips. These little gems will melt and create bursts of chocolate heaven.
Step 3: Chill the Doughs
Pop both doughs into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling not only firms up the doughs for easier handling but also allows the flavors to harmonize and the textures to develop.
Step 4: Form the Swirl Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, scoop small blobs of each dough in pairs—one peanut butter, one brownie—next to each other. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the two blobs together to create those beautiful chocolate and peanut butter marbled patterns.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center, ensuring maximum chewiness. Let them cool fully on the tray before serving, so the swirls set and the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking to highlight the sweetness and add subtle crunch. For a festive touch, consider drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over the tops—makes them look as amazing as they taste.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair magically with a cold glass of milk or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness. If you want to elevate the experience, serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board, accented with fresh berries or roasted peanuts to reinforce the peanut butter vibe. They also work beautifully as a fun addition to a dessert buffet or gift tin for friends—they’re as stunning visually as they are scrumptious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and flavorful. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delicious cookies later, freeze them comfortably for up to 3 months. Arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or room-temperature cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in a warm oven. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and lets the peanut butter and chocolate flavors bloom again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra delightful texture to the cookies. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the dough’s consistency, so mix carefully and add a splash of milk if it feels too dense.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it’s a direct substitute for all-purpose flour.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try swapping the butter for vegan margarine, using a flaxseed or chia egg instead of chicken eggs, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free. The texture and taste might shift a bit but still remain delicious!
How do I prevent the donut-shaped swirl pattern from blending too much?
Use a light touch when swirling the two doughs together. The goal is to gently combine them without overmixing, so the distinct peanut butter and brownie colors remain striking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles beautifully! Just be sure to chill the doughs thoroughly and space the cookies well on the baking sheets so they don’t merge during baking.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your taste buds and impress friends with a cookie that’s truly a showstopper? This Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe effortlessly combines two all-time favorites into one scrumptious treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a cozy mug of tea. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to cookie that everyone will be asking for again and again!
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Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich, fudgy brownie dough with creamy peanut butter dough swirled together for a perfect bite. These cookies offer a unique texture and flavor contrast, making them an irresistible indulgence for cookie lovers.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Dough
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Brownie Dough
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Dough: Beat together peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and blend thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Set the dough aside.
- Prepare Brownie Dough: Whisk melted butter with white sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Cocoa and Flavors: Stir in cocoa powder, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until homogeneous.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Brownie Dough: Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt gradually until the batter is smooth and thick.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the brownie dough, distributing them evenly.
- Chill Doughs: Refrigerate both the peanut butter and brownie doughs for 30 minutes to firm them up for easier handling.
- Form Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop small blobs of each dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a toothpick, swirl the two doughs together gently to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the dough when adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Swirling the doughs gently helps to retain distinct peanut butter and brownie flavors.
- Use a toothpick or skewer for the best swirling effect without overblending.
- Chilling the doughs is essential to prevent spreading during baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
